18-3-07
Iraq four years on

On the fourth anniversary of the day the Labour Government and the Conservatives voted for the invasion of Iraq, “they should hang their heads in shame” said John Barrett MP. Following the shocking figures which have been released on the cost of the war both in terms of lives lost and resources.

In the four years since Iraq was invaded:

• £5 billion has been spent by the UK on the invasion and occupation of Iraq, and the bill continues to rise

• 134 British soldiers have lost their lives and hundreds have been wounded or maimed

• 34,452 Iraqi civilians died in 2006 with at least an estimated 50,000 since the war began

• One third of Iraqis are now living in poverty

Commenting, Liberal Democrat Leader Menzies Campbell added:

“The war in Iraq was illegal. President Bush made the decisions, the Prime Minister argued the case, the Chancellor signed the cheques and the Tories voted it through.

“Iraq is now in a state of civil war. The cost in terms of lives and resources has been enormous. This does not take account of the long-term effect that four years of war and occupation have had on the country and the huge sums of money that are needed for reconstruction.

“The Prime Minister should apologise to the country for taking us into an illegal war that has cost all sides dearly.”